In a major blow to the narcotics trade in the Midwest, Elizabeth Lopez, a 29-year-old woman from Omaha, Nebraska, was convicted of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in the Sioux City, Iowa area.
According to prosecutors, Lopez was part of a larger conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine from 2015 through August 2015. The evidence presented in court showed that Lopez was involved in distributing the illicit substance on multiple occasions, including one instance where she traveled from Omaha to Sioux City to hand over 5 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine on August 4, 2015.
When questioned by authorities, Lopez was found to have hidden the methamphetamine in her bra. The bra, which contained the illicit substance, was seized as evidence during the investigation.
The verdict was delivered after a two-day trial in federal court in Sioux City. The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before returning a guilty verdict. Lopez now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The United States Marshal took Lopez into custody immediately after the verdict was read. She will remain in custody pending sentencing. The court will set a date for sentencing after a presentence report is prepared.
The case was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force, a collaboration between various law enforcement agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Sioux City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office.
Lopez’s conviction serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against narcotics trafficking in the region. The Tri-State Drug Task Force will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle these networks, bringing perpetrators to justice and keeping communities safe.
Lopez’s exact sentence is yet to be determined, but she faces a significant amount of time in prison. The court will also impose a fine of $200 in special assessments, as well as a term of supervised release ranging from five years to life.
Related Federal Cases
- Elizabeth Lopez, Methamphetamine Distribution, Iowa 2016 · Iowa
- Robert Skarin, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Iowa 2013 · Indiana
- Mavis Juarez, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Iowa 2012 · Iowa
- Esmelin Belloso-Valle, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Iowa 2012 · Iowa
- Mavis Juarez, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Iowa 2012 · Indiana
Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug Trafficking